asked the Minister for Education if he will state why he has served notice upon Mrs. Margaret McDonnell, formerly Miss Margaret Gillan, professor of science and kindred subjects in Tourmakeady Preparatory College, terminating her appointment, and why he has refused to furnish her with any reasons for taking this course.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourmakeady Preparatory College.
The action taken in the case of Mrs. Margaret McDonnell determining her employment by notice terminating on the 31st July, 1937, was in accordance with the usual practice in such cases. I am advised that it was not necessary to assign cause.
I am perfectly aware that it was not necessary to assign cause, but I asked the Minister to inform me what was the cause of serving notice upon Mrs. McDonnell. May I ask the Minister now whether or not he was aware that this lady, who has very high qualifications indeed, and who has been a very successful teacher in the college of Tourmakeady, has been dismissed, and that his Department has refused to give her any reason for that action? I ask him now to give an answer to the last part of my question, that is, to explain why she has not been furnished with any reasons for taking this course.
I have stated, Sir, that it is not necessary to assign cause. However, as the Deputy has pressed the question, I may say that the correspondence in the case leads me to believe that the lady in question may be contemplating legal proceedings, and in these circumstances I am not prepared to add anything further to my answer.